Structural member



March 22, 1949'. w.-s. EDGE 2,465,074 I STRUCTURI MEMBER filed sept. 15, 1944 2 sheets-'sheet 1 INVENTOR:-

A TTORNE YS March 22, 1949. w; s. EDGE 2,465,074

STRUCTURAL MEMBER Filed Sept. 15, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTR.-

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Mar. 22, 1949 iluminan @TENT former:

."STREUTURALM'EMBER "'Wlte'Si'Edge,"Kansas`CityfMo.

:Application-September 13,11944;SeriaLNo. 553,'835

(CIT 18S-37) This inventionrrelates :tofstnuctural imembers ,:tudinal-wires 2 :and 3.,spacedzapartl andtarranged fort framing :light occupancy .zbuildingsaandzethe yiingparadlehrelation. i-.-CooperatingV :with-.the flongi- J'like where.ordinary,fstructuralrmemberssareinot tudinal members 2 and 3 are a pair of inter-- :practicalpand haswas' itsffprincipal, objectsto; lpreimediatelyadisposed r.longitudinal .members-:4 @and :videzfmetalrframing-membersxofflightweightaand iespacedlapart tolconstitutethebase of 4v.af beam high strength ratio and Whichaarecomparable vandffromthe.fouterffmembers ,1.a -distance...cor in'costto ordinary.dimensionlumber. responding to the .widthofthe beam. ...Other objects :of the .invention are toirgprovide The membersv ,-2-13 2and-4 5 are vlformedifrom structural: members lwhicharea:adaptedbtoafabri- Vl-hvigh:J tensile, .hard-.drawn wire of fra suitable. cross .cation .from l'ngh.-.tensi1e, :coldedrawn Vwire zsln10fsectiomrfoiwexample, round, andwhich has .a xwmbination with Wires. having substantialidueh igfhadegreeof tensile=strengthzso asrto lconstitute f. .tility to provide rstructural'members :capableuof thema-ini longitudinal .members of :the beams and production in ilongrlengths;A at,lnofincreasesmgunit take .thel loads acting :thereon .analogous to --the `cost; to provide estructural r:arierr'ibers that are etlppereand :lower cordSfoffa-truss. This ymaterial :mechanically straightwandtWillich-.twillmetavvarp, 1 5 isl lack-ingtsomewhatsin ductility .but has ya lr.prosexpand, or contract'runder 'changes-...in-,,'a trnos f.portionatelyhighfelastic:lim-it. :Wherethe elastic -pheric conditions,V to .providerstvucturalemembers g:limit-of;structuralgrade steelmay be tWthirds .designed to be 'nested -onefe'within aanotheralto :.:ofvits ultimate fstrength, thatofthefmaterialfI :facilitate shipping;storing,ranctha-ndlingithereof; .zenrplcyrmayfbef4 or 90 per cent ofits ultimate :to provide structuralmembersithat mayzbejg'obbed-20sstrength- :The longitudinal lWires are 'interconaand ldispensed inaf-manner'earlaloguusi toemrdi-n flnectedibyaallongitudinal series ofspaced transnary lumber; to provide estructural remembers --verse Wiresf, whichwvires .are preferably formed which `may-be` cut to-:length:iarrdeaccuxtately as aof a'sof-ter more :ductilematerial sothat theyeare .semble'd in a :building:sstructureaat-fthe;riobeste; tcapable :of being bent to :shape the .beam -without @to provide -rstructuralf-membersadaptedlfor '.Juse25edanger sof fracture. vThe transverse --wires :are :fin rprefabricated units ;-.and to iprovidestnuctnral nuxtaposed-ypreferably againstthecommonsides members `vs/'hclfrmay:be utilized fonframingpuri o'f the-longitudinal awiresand are welded. thereto -poses in :associationwvithlflumber Y.oma-szreinforc-V aatthe'crossing :points thereof-.by a .suitable re- .ing :rnembersv in :concreteeconstruotion :sistancef-'Weldasindicated-.at 1 vin:thezrnannerfs'of 4In :accomplishing .these-.and other Objects of ..30';.the-sne1ds sproducedrin :manufacture of Welding .the .invention,..I; have ,providedf .improved details ewire,;encing,mats,e and the.' like. ..of structurethepreferred formofmzliichlislshown vilnsitinnedupon-` the Vtransverse fwires, intermein the accompanying ldravizingsf-t'zherein: iatetheispacngzbetweenthe.longitudinal-Wires Fig. .1 is a ,perspective view.;`f -a ,portiun Hof; aand aareatdiagonalfbracesipreferably formedcby fframing utilizing structural members *embodying :f3 .pair of symmetricalzzigzagged wires-8 andas,

the 'featuresof the present inverition. @one udisposed: upon vl.the :other @and having the .Figjz is.a plan view: df agpo'rtlon'of'iafbriapexesfllgof fone;- arranged :in opposed-:relation cated structural member'prior tobendlng'theref with Athexapexesal l Vof :the other .and registering to shape. awith the f respective transverse -Wires fiat ,points vFig. 3 is a fragmentaryrperspective vi-ewrofcalaiospaced:slightlyifromtheflongitudinalfwires-d and A structural member formedffrom the i fabricated Sitozpaccommodate bending. thereof as' ylater demember shown in Fig.2'andadaptdftobeused cribed. 'Ilhe crossing points of thel apexes :are las a joist, rafter, "'or the like *in fia :building .elde'datoxthei transverse-:Wires .as -indicatedffat '"structure. 54:2.; andnthe vintermediateportions |3- of .,the. r.e V"lig 4 isv an enlarged L"fragmentary'ftperspebtive @-afiespective tzigzagged f 'Wires cross leach other .and

View of a portion of the-structuralCm'eibenpar- .eeXtendafin-a the manner ofwan X brace between iticularly illustrating ZWelding v-l'f 1'the wires of lathe .irespective transverse AWires, the crossing ywhich` the structuralmemberi-isecompos'ed. :points..Mvbeingfsuitably :Welded in a= manner I'Referring moref'infdtail-ltoiithefdrawlngs; :asimilarzto the otherwelds.

i v`designates L'ax-portion''ffa' joistrafteniorrthe #60 rSirr'iilar 'fbrace wires preferably y of czigzagged 1 like constructed. inaaccordance:withetheepresent formationarerpositioned `.in thel spaces between invention and whichfmavibe tillzedii-niagbiiiling ithevlongtudinal*Wires 12-:5 and 3-4 respectively,

:.structureuinpmcel Of'thewrinam 6,55'12rx 8, awhichzzigzaggedfwires are: designatedl.5.-'l lia-nd 53,2 xi10,@and"similafiframing'members. ,l'lhefsbrue- :l-'l-etrforthe respectiveispaces. .The apexes'vv'l'S :'tural' lmember I 'includesra :ipaircricuuterziilongifnithefziezagged wiresf-are alsorpositioned intopapexes are connected by welds and are in the space midway between the transverse wires as shown in Fig. 2. The symmetrically bent wires thus cooperate with the transverse Wires to form a certain pattern wherein the spaces between the transverse wires constitute unit spaces and the diagonals of the zigzagged wires cross the unit spaces and the transverse wires that are included between those to which the apexes are connected. The diagonal portions are, therefore, similarly Welded at these crossing points to the transverse wires.

This is an important feature of the invention as I have determined by actual tests that I am able to provide a structural member which is better for the present purpose than other types of patterns such as the standard counter braced truss. The stress measurements which have been made on my improved structural member wherein the diagonals of the Zigzagged wires extend across and are welded to transverse wires intermediate the transverse wires at the apexes of the diagonals, that is with two extra verticals, show the efficiency of the structure was increased from 25 to 50 per cent over the standard truss design and the measured stress, either tension in the lower cord and compression in the upper cord is 25 per cent below the computed value of a standard truss pattern and does not increase the measured stress in the diagonals above the computed values. The terminals 23 and 24 of the transverse wires preferably extend beyond the outer longitudinal wires 2 and 3. The wires When thus formed provide a continuous foraminated body of sheet-like form and may be stored in rolls orV the like prior to bending thereof for forming the beam shown in Fig. 3. The beam shown in Fig. 3 is produced from the foraminated form shown in Fig. 2 by bending the transverse' wires as indicated at 25 and 26 adjacent the A longitudinal wires 4 and 5 to bring the longitudinal wires 2 and 3 into parallel juxtaposition 'as shown in Fig. 3 and with the terminals 23 and 24 in crossed relation as indicated at 21 and which are welded together at the points of crossing to maintain the shape of the structure.

It is thus obvious that the structural member when thus formed produces an open work beam wherein portions of the transverse wires between longitudinal wires 4 and 5 cooperate with the zigzagged wires 8 and 9 to form the base 28 of the beam and the portions of the transverse wires intermediate the longitudinal wires 2-5 and 4-3 cooperate with the pairs of zigzagged wires |5|6 and |1|8 to constitute the sides of the beam. When the beamis used in the position shown in Fig. 3, the longitudinal wires 4--5 constitute the lower cords and the wires 2-3 the upper cords of a truss-like tructure with the transverse wires 6 serving as the struts andthe zigzagged wires I5-I6 and |'l-I8 as the braces. The beam thus provides a truss-like formation which is light in weight and has a high strength ratio so that it is adapted to support loads corresponding to or in excess of those capable of being supported by a corresponding wooden framing member such as a 2 X 6, 2 x 8, 2 x 10, or the like.

The closed triangular section greatly increases the rigidity, stiness, and tensile strength of the member. By the combination of high tensile, high elastic limit wires used in the longitudinal members with the regular spaced bracing system of more ductile wires and the symmetrical system of diagonal brace members arranged in the pattern described, I have produced structural members of very high eiciency as compared t0 standard structural beams.

The members thus described are of light weight construction and have a high strength ratio so that when assembled in a building structure provide a strong, light-weight construction corresponding in cost to an ordinary wooden frame structure, having many advantages over wood framing.

Use of the members described coupled with a special combination of materials provides a reproof construction at a cost considerably below the cost of the customary fireproof constructions and in fact, is comparable with the cost of standard wooden construction.

In using the members, as a typical example, they may be substituted for wooden beams having equal strength but of substantially less weight. For example, in the structure shown in Fig. 1, studs 29 and 30 carry caps 3| that are inverted over the upper ends of the studs as shown so that crossing points of the caps and studs may be suitably connected as by welding at the site. The ceiling joist 32 may comprise the structural members shown in Fig. 3 and correspond in size and strength to wooden joists of standard dimensions. The joist may be used with the base thereof supported on the caps 3| directly over the ends of the studs 29-30 as shown, or they may be turned with the crossed ends of the transverse wires downwardly so that the base portions thereof provide a at surface to facilitate laying of a floor, attachment of nailing strips, or the like. The triangular-shaped members may also be utilized as a rafter 33 which are positioned as shown in Fig. 1 with the longitudinal wires straddling the ends of a joist as shown, it, of course, being understood that portions of the transverse wires and zigzagged wires are cut away to permit assembly. The crossing points of the longitudinal wires are suitably welded together on the job to complete the connection.

In non-load bearing partitions, studs 34 may be used in connection with caps 35. Connecting members 36'may be used as shown in Fig. 1 to connect the studs 29 and 30 in combination with the brace members 31. The tie members 36 are projected through openings between the wires of the studs and suitably tied at the crossing points preferably by welding. The brace members 31 are placed at against the sides of the studs and the longitudinal wires thereof are welded together at crossing points with the longitudinal wires of the studs.

From the foregoing it is obvious that I have provided structural members particularly designed for framing of light occupancy buildings and which may 'be assembled in a building structure analogous to the customary framing with ordinary dimension lumber.

The structural members are readily cut to length at the job site and are assembled in a frame structure and erected very similar to wood framing, the studs and joists being spaced on standard spacing.

By reason of the light weight and ease of handling, the members may be assembled in prefabricated units and delivered to the job where the units are readily placed.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A structural member of the character described including a pair of longitudinal wires disposed in spaced parallel relation7 a second pair of longitudinal wires disposed in spaced parallel relation with the :First-named pair of longitudinal wires, a longitudinal series of spaced transverse wires crossing the longitudinal Wires and having terminals projecting beyond the iirstmamed longitudinal wires, pairs of Zigzagged Wires longitudinally traversing the spaces between the adjacent longitudinal wires with one zigzagged wire of one pair being disposed upon its complementary zigzagged wire and having the apexes of one arranged oppositely to the ap-eXes of the other and crossing certain of the transverse wires in spaced relation with the longitudinal wires, welds at the crossing points of the zigzagged wires with the transverse Wires, said transverse Wires having bends adjacent the intermediate longitudinal Wires to bring the terminals of the transverse wires in crossing relation, and welds connecting said terminals.

2. A structural member of the character described including a pair of longitudinal wires disposed in spaced parallel relation, a second pair of longitudinal wires disposed in spaced parallel relation with the iirst-named pair of f longitudinal Wires, a longitudinal series of spaced transverse wires crossing the longitudinal wires and having terminals projecting beyond the firstnamed longitudinal wires, brace wires extending diagonally in the spaces between the adjacent longitudinal wires and crossing the transverse wires, welds at the crossing points of the Wires, said transverse wires having bends adjacent the intermediate longitudinal Wires to bring the terminals of the transverse wires in crossing relation, and welds connecting said terminals.

3. A structural member of the character described including a pair of hard--drawn wires disposed longitudinally in spaced parallel relation, a second pair of hard-drawn longitudinal wires disposed in parallel relation with the first-named pair of wires, a longitudinal series of spaced Wires having substantial ductility extending transversely of the longitudinal wires and having terminals projecting from the irstmamed longitudinal wires, welds at the crossing points of said wires, brace wires having similar ductility traversing the series of transverse wires and having substantial ductility, said brace Wires being disposed between the longitudinal wires, welds at the crossing points of the wires, bends in the ductile transverse wires to bring the terminals of the respective transverse wires together, and welds connecting said terminals.

4. A structural member of the character described including pairs of longitudinal Wires disposed in spaced parallel relation, a longitudinal series of spaced transverse parallel wires connecting the longitudinal wires, pairs of diagonal brace Wires traversing the series of transverse wires intermediate the pairs of longitudinal wires, said transverse wires being bent to bring ends of the transverse wires in contact, welds connecting said ends to form a substantially triangular cross section, the spacing between said transverse Wires forming substantially equal unit spaces and the length of said diagonals of the brace Wires being at least two of said unit spaces, and welds at the crossing points of the brace Wires with the transverse wires.

5. A structural member of the character described including, a pair of longitudinal Wires disposed in laterally spaced parallel relation, a second pair of longitudinal wires spaced from the rst pair, a longitudinal series of spaced transverse parallel wires connecting the longitudinal wires, pairs of diagonal brace wires intermediate the longitudinal wires with the brace Wires between the rst named pair of longitudinal Wires spaced from said longitudinal wires, said transverse wires having bends between the first named pair of longitudinal Wires and said brace wires to bring the ends of the transverse wires in contact, welds at the crossing points of the brace wires and the transverse Wires, and welds connecting said ends of the transverse wires to for-m a substantially triangular cross section.

6. A structural member of the character described including a pair of longitudinal wires disposed in laterally spaced relation, a second pair of longitudinal wires disposed in adjacent relation and spaced from the first pair of longitudinal wires, a longitudinal series of spaced transverse wires connecting the longitudinal wires, said transverse wires having bends adjacent the first named pair of longitudinal Wires and having terminals projecting from said second pair of longitudinal wires, and welds connecting terminals of the transverse wires at one side of said structural member-with terminals of transverse members at the other side of said structural member.

7. A structural member of the character described including a pair of longitudinal wires disposed in laterally spaced relation, a second pair of longitudinal wires disposed in adjacent relation and spaced from the first pair of longitudinal wires, a longitudinal series of spaced transverse wires connecting the longitudinal wires, said transverse wires having bends adjacent the rst named pair of longitudinal wires and having terminals projecting from said second pair of longitudinal wires, said terminals on one side of said structural member being engaged with terminals at the other side of said structural member to maintain the triangular cross section of said member.

WALTER S. EDGE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 982,188 Norton Jan. 17, 1911 1,762,112 White June 3, 1930 2,151,861 McLellan Mar. 28, 1939 2,199,152 Edge et al Apr. 30, 1940 2,252,533 Tench Aug. 12, 1941 

